CVE-2019-6693
MediumExploitedPublic exploitUse of a hard-coded cryptographic key to cipher sensitive data in FortiOS configuration backup file may allow an attacker with access to the backup file to decipher the sensitive data, via knowledge of the hard-coded key.
Published Nov 21, 2019 · Updated Aug 4, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2019-6693 is a medium-severity vulnerability (CVSS 6.5 v3.1) affecting Fortios (Fortinet), FortiGate.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Aug 23, 2023 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 6.6% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Fortios <=5.6.10, Fortios 5.6.10.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
6.5
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
6.6%
Higher than 93.7% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings, used by ransomware
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2019-6693 brief as a PDF
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Description
Use of a hard-coded cryptographic key to cipher sensitive data in FortiOS configuration backup file may allow an attacker with access to the backup file to decipher the sensitive data, via knowledge of the hard-coded key. The aforementioned sensitive data includes users' passwords (except the administrator's password), private keys' passphrases and High Availability password (when set).
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Jun 25, 2025 | Jul 16, 2025 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Aug 23, 2023 | Jul 16, 2025 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Jun 25, 2025 | Jul 16, 2025 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Jun 25, 2025 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
3 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| FortiosFortinet | 6.2.0 | 5.6.10 |
| FortiGate | >= 5.6.9 and below | n/a |
Patched Releases
Fortios
<=5.6.10
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Nov 21, 2019
Added to Industry KEV feed
Aug 23, 2023
Added to CISA KEV
Jun 25, 2025
Added to CIRCL KEV
Jun 25, 2025
Added to ENISA EUVD
Jun 25, 2025
Last updated
Aug 4, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-798 Use of Hard-coded Credentials
References
- advisoryhttps://fortiguard.com/advisory/FG-IR-19-007
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
Use of a hard-coded cryptographic key to cipher sensitive data in FortiOS configuration backup file may allow an attacker with access to the backup file to decipher the sensitive data, via knowledge of the hard-coded key.
Affected: Fortios (Fortinet) versions 6.2.0; FortiGate versions >= 5.6.9 and below. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Aug 23, 2023 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Jun 25, 2025 with a federal remediation due date of Jul 16, 2025.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Fortios <=5.6.10, Fortios 5.6.10.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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